Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of cheesecake and caramel in a soft, chewy cookie. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies offer a unique twist on traditional desserts. With their creamy filling and sweet-salty topping, they are sure to impress friends and family alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The mix of cream cheese, caramel, and a hint of salt creates an irresistible taste that will leave you wanting more.
- Easy to Make: This recipe simplifies baking by guiding you through each step, making it accessible even for beginners.
- Versatile Treat: Ideal for parties, potlucks, or simply enjoying at home with coffee or tea.
- Impressive Presentation: With the cheesecake swirl and caramel drizzle, these cookies look as good as they taste.
- Perfectly Balanced Sweetness: The addition of flaky sea salt enhances the sweetness of the caramel, creating a balanced flavor profile.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this salted caramel cheesecake cookies recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Piping bag or ziplock bag
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Whisk
- Electric mixer
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without creating a mess.
- Piping bag or ziplock bag: Helps in easily transferring the cheesecake filling to the cookies.
- Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy surface for baking without uneven cooking.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120ml) thick caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
How to Make Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Transfer to a piping bag or ziplock bag.
Refrigerate for about 15 minutes until slightly firm.
Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough
In a medium bowl:
Whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
In a large mixing bowl:
Beat softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
Add egg and vanilla extract; beat until well combined.
Gradually:
Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Cookies
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of cookie dough:
Flatten slightly in your hand to form a thick disc.
Place a heaping teaspoon of cheesecake filling in the center.
Fold dough around the filling, sealing well to enclose it completely.
Shape into a tall ball:
Place filled dough balls onto prepared baking sheet with enough space between each cookie.
Optionally:
Chill in refrigerator for 20–30 minutes before baking.
Step 4: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C):
Line baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat.
Bake cookies:
For about 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
If desired:
Press center of each cookie with a spoon after baking to create a small well.
Allow cooling on baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire rack.
Step 5: Add Toppings
Once cookies are cool:
Pipe a swirl of chilled cheesecake filling on top of each cookie if desired.
Using piping bag or ziplock bag:
Pipe thick swirl of caramel sauce over cheesecake layer or directly on cookie if preferred.
Sprinkle with flaky sea salt for that sweet-salty finish.
How to Serve Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Serving your Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies can elevate the experience and impress your guests. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that enhance their flavor and presentation.
With a Glass of Milk
- A classic pairing, milk complements the sweetness of the cookies and balances the rich flavors of caramel and cheesecake.
As a Dessert Platter
- Arrange these cookies on a dessert platter with fresh fruit, chocolate-dipped strawberries, or mini pastries for an appealing dessert spread.
A la Mode
- Serve warm cookies topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The melting ice cream creates a delicious contrast with the rich cookies.
Drizzled with Extra Caramel
- For those who love caramel, drizzle additional thick caramel sauce over the cookies before serving to enhance their flavor.
With Coffee or Tea
- Enjoy these cookies with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a comforting afternoon treat. The warmth of the beverage complements the gooey texture of the cookies.
How to Perfect Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
To ensure your Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies come out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
-
Chill Your Dough: Allowing your cookie dough to chill helps prevent spreading during baking, resulting in thicker cookies.
-
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature. This makes them easier to cream together and creates a smoother filling.
-
Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Overbaking can lead to dry cookies, while underbaking may leave them too soft.
-
Experiment with Toppings: Don’t hesitate to try different toppings like crushed nuts or chocolate ganache for added texture and flavor.
-
Store Properly: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Best Side Dishes for Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies can create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some tasty options:
- Fresh Berries: Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries provide a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
- Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy whipped cream adds an airy texture that complements the richness of the cheesecake filling.
- Chocolate Fondue: Melted chocolate allows guests to dip pieces of cookie for an indulgent treat.
- Pecan Pie Bars: These bars offer nutty flavors that pair wonderfully with salted caramel notes in the cookies.
- Ice Cream Sundae Bar: Set up a sundae station where guests can top their ice cream with cookie chunks, caramel sauce, and sprinkles.
- Caramelized Apples: Warm caramelized apples bring a warm spice element that pairs nicely with the flavors in your cookies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
-
Skipping the chilling step: If you don’t chill the assembled cookies, they may spread too much in the oven, leading to flat cookies. Always refrigerate them for 20-30 minutes before baking.
-
Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined and avoid excessive stirring after adding dry ingredients.
-
Using warm cream cheese: Warm cream cheese can affect the texture of the filling. Ensure it is softened but cool when mixing with sugar and vanilla.
-
Not measuring flour accurately: Using too much flour can make cookies dry. Always spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
-
Baking at incorrect temperature: An oven that is too hot or too cold can ruin your cookies. Always preheat your oven properly and use an oven thermometer if needed.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
- Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds until soft.
- Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for a couple of minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about the Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe:
Can I use different types of caramel?
Yes, you can use store-bought or homemade caramel sauce as long as it’s thick enough to pipe.
How do I customize my salted caramel cheesecake cookies?
You can add chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor and texture!
What if I don’t have cream cheese?
You can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone cheese for a slightly different taste and texture.
How long do these cookies last?
These cookies will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days or can be frozen for three months.
Final Thoughts
The Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe combines rich flavors with delightful textures, making it perfect for any occasion. They’re versatile too; try adding your favorite mix-ins! Don’t hesitate to experiment with toppings or flavors that suit your taste. Enjoy baking these delicious treats!
Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful experience of Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies, a perfect fusion of creamy cheesecake and luscious caramel enveloped in a soft, chewy cookie. This recipe transforms traditional desserts into an impressive treat that will wow your family and friends at any gathering. With each bite, you’ll savor the irresistible blend of flavors, enhanced by a sprinkle of flaky sea salt that balances the sweetness. Whether served at a party or enjoyed during a cozy afternoon with coffee, these cookies are sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120ml) thick caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare the cheesecake filling by mixing softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla in a bowl until smooth. Transfer to a piping bag and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
- For the cookie dough, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in one bowl. In another bowl, cream softened butter with both sugars until fluffy, then add egg and vanilla.
- Gradually incorporate dry ingredients until just combined.
- Scoop cookie dough, flatten it slightly, place cheesecake filling in the center, enclose the filling with dough, and shape into balls.
- Chill for 20–30 minutes before baking at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes or until edges are golden.
- Cool briefly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (40g)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
